Retroreflective article

Abstract

A retroreflective article includes: a retroreflective layer including a binding matrix and a plurality of optical elements, the binding matrix having an upper surface, the optical elements being bonded to and protruding from the upper surface of the binding matrix and being capable of directing light, that enters the optical elements, in a direction such that the light can be substantially returned toward a light source from which the light is emitted; a transparent printable layer formed on the retroreflective layer and cooperating with the binding matrix to enclose the optical elements; and a colored layer printed on the printable layer.

1 . A retroreflective article, comprising:
 a retroreflective layer including a binding matrix of a polymeric material and a plurality of optical elements, said binding matrix having an upper surface, said optical elements being bonded to and protruding from said upper surface of said binding matrix and being capable of directing light, that enters said optical elements, in a direction such that the light can be substantially returned toward a light source from which the light is emitted;   a transparent printable layer formed on said retroreflective layer and cooperating with said binding matrix to enclose said optical elements, said printable layer having a flat surface opposite to said retroreflective layer; and   a colored layer printed on said flat surface of said printable layer.   
     
     
         2 . The retroreflective article of  claim 1 , wherein said printable layer is made from a hot melt adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The retroreflective article of  claim 2 , wherein said hot melt adhesive is made from a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl-acetate copolymer, ethylene-acrylate copolymer, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, and polyurethanes. 
     
     
         4 . The retroreflective article of  claim 1 , wherein said colored layer comprises a colored ink. 
     
     
         5 . The retroreflective article of  claim 1 , wherein said optical elements are in the form of microspheres of glass 
     
     
         6 . The retroreflective article of  claim 1 , further comprising a transparent protective layer covering said colored layer. 
     
     
         7 . The retroreflective article of  claim 1 , further comprising a releasable liner layer bonded releasably to one side of said binding matrix opposite to said retroreflective layer.